{"product_id":"freddy-calathea-calathea-louisae-freddy","title":"Freddy Calathea - Calathea louisae 'Freddy'","description":"\u003cp\u003eFreddy Calathea (\u003cem\u003eCalathea louisae\u003c\/em\u003e 'Freddy', also sold as 'Freddie') is an upright foliage plant carrying broad, pointed leaves that are glossy, gently ruffled and striped in deep and pale green. It grows about 45cm tall and 30cm wide, a slim, upright size that suits narrow shelves and shaded corners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStriped, glossy leaves.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep green stripes alternate with paler bands across each leaf, and the glossy surface catches the light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA ruffled edge.\u003c\/strong\u003e The slightly wavy margins soften the pattern and give the plant a lively, leafy shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlim footprint.\u003c\/strong\u003e At around 30cm wide it fits in tight spots on a shelf, a side table or a shaded garden corner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOccasional white flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e White flowers appear now and then, a pleasant extra on top of the foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe around pets.\u003c\/strong\u003e Calatheas are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so there is no need to keep it out of reach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors.\u003c\/strong\u003e Give it bright, indirect light and a warm room. It sits well on a shelf or bench, in a bathroom with a window or beside a bright hallway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstorey planting in tropical gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e In sheltered, frost-free gardens it makes a neat underplanting. Set plants about 30cm apart for a dense carpet of striped foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroups of pots.\u003c\/strong\u003e Three or four plants together create a fuller display and a little extra humidity around the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Freddy Calathea in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep it in bright shade, away from direct sun. It needs warmth above 15C and enjoys humidity, so outdoors it belongs in sheltered, frost-free shade in tropical and subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a quality potting mix that holds some moisture but drains freely. Choose a pot with drainage holes and avoid standing it in water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water steadily through the first 12 weeks and keep the same routine once it is established. Mist if the air is dry. A slow release fertiliser high in nitrogen, applied every three months, supports vibrant, healthy foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, and take off any damaged leaves at the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Freddy Calathea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so pot it into a free draining mix promptly and keep it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sun. Calatheas are tropical, so unpack the plant straight away and shelter it from cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/calathea\"\u003eSee the full calathea collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/house-indoor-plants\"\u003eMore house and indoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-full-shade\"\u003ePlants for full shade\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/calathea-care-guide-australia\"\u003eCalathea care: what causes brown edges and curling\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big does Freddy grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 45cm tall and 30cm wide. It grows upright rather than sprawling, so it works where there is more height than floor space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan it live outdoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly in sheltered, frost-free shade in tropical and subtropical gardens. It needs temperatures above 15C, so grow it indoors in cooler regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat causes brown leaf tips?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually dry air, hard tap water or fertiliser salts. Mist, group it with other plants, use rainwater or filtered water if you can and feed lightly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67787185422655,"sku":"CAL-LOU-FREDDY-tube","price":20.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/freddy-calathea-calathea-louisae-freddy.jpg?v=1792150705","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/freddy-calathea-calathea-louisae-freddy","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}